Houma (January 7, 2016) - Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet declared a state of emergency on January 4, 2016 for Terrebonne Parish due to the developing threat of flooding from the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River. The state of emergency allows the parish government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety, health and welfare needs of the citizens and property of Terrebonne Parish.

As part of the on-going preparations by the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government to protect citizens and property within Terrebonne Parish, Parish President Michel Claudet has signed executive orders pursuant to La. R.S. 29:727 to commandeer certain right of ways in the Gibson/Bayou Black area as specified in the orders signed on January 6, 2016. The commandeering of the right of ways will allow public employees the right to enter private property to build, inspect or repair flood control measures that may be implemented to insure the safety health and welfare needs of the citizens and property within Terrebonne Parish.

Copies of the executive order are available on the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government’s website, www.tpcg.org, for public viewing and to identify the specific areas involved.

The Atchafalaya River is expected to crest at 8.5 feet on January 23, 2015. This level could increase depending on the opening of the Morganza Flood Control Structure by the USACE. The USACE has NOT made a decision on the opening of the Morganza Flood Structure. Residents should continue to stay informed through local news media and the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security website (www.tohsep.com) to obtain the latest information available.

###

Additional Information

• Original Press Release